Derwentwater Circular Walk
A long, low-level circuit from Keswick with woodland, quiet shoreline, mountain views and enough places to stop that it never really feels like a march.
The Derwentwater circular walk is one of the most scenic and accessible ways to spend a day around Keswick. Rather than climbing straight onto the high fells, the route stays close to the lake and threads together woodland, fields, shoreline and villages beneath Catbells and Skiddaw.
It is a particularly good choice if you want proper Lake District scenery without an exposed ridge. The walking is generally straightforward, although wet ground and muddy sections are very much part of the deal after rain.
At a Glance
- Start: Keswick town centre
- Character: lakeshore, woodland, fields and village paths
- Difficulty: easy to moderate, but a full circuit is still a decent day out
- Good for: beginners who are comfortable with a longer walk, families with walking experience, and relaxed Lake District days
- Highlights: Friars Crag, Borrowdale views, the quieter western shore and Portinscale
Derwentwater Circular Walk Route
From Keswick, head down towards the lakeshore and follow the path to Friars Crag. This is one of those viewpoints that earns its reputation: Catbells sits directly across the water and the lake opens south towards Borrowdale.
Continue along the eastern shore through woodland and sections close to the water. The walking is mostly gentle and easy to follow, with regular openings through the trees giving views across the lake.
As you move south, the scenery becomes increasingly enclosed by the surrounding fells. Near the southern end of Derwentwater, Lodore Falls makes a worthwhile detour when there has been enough rain to give it some enthusiasm.
The route then turns north along the western side of the lake. This half often feels quieter than the Keswick side, passing through woodland, open fields and stretches right beside the water.
Eventually you reach Portinscale. From here, riverside paths take you back towards Keswick and complete the circuit.
Best Time to Walk Derwentwater
Derwentwater can be walked throughout the year, but spring through autumn is generally the easiest time to enjoy the full circuit.
Spring brings fresh woodland and quieter paths before the main summer rush. Summer gives you long daylight hours, though Keswick and the popular sections of lakeshore can be busy. Autumn is arguably the prettiest time, with the woods around the lake turning gold and orange.
Winter can be wonderfully atmospheric, especially with snow on the surrounding fells, but shorter daylight and colder, wetter ground deserve more planning.
Tips Before You Set Off
- Start early: Keswick gets busy at weekends and during school holidays.
- Wear proper footwear: the route is not technically difficult, but mud is not especially impressed by optimism.
- Carry a waterproof: Lake District weather changes its mind professionally.
- Save the route offline: do not rely on signal for navigation.
- Leave time to stop: Friars Crag and the quieter western shore are worth lingering at.
If you want a simple pre-walk kit check, use the free UK hiking checklist builder. For the wider basics, the Rambl Hikers Guide covers weather, navigation, kit and rights of way in one place.
What to Take
You do not need specialist mountain equipment for this route, but comfortable footwear, waterproofs, water, food and a small day pack make a long lakeside day considerably nicer.
- Walking boots for wet or muddy sections
- Waterproof jacket for the inevitable Lake District plot twist
- 20–30L day pack for food, water and spare layers
- Walking trousers if the forecast looks damp
Make a Weekend of It: Stay Around Keswick
Derwentwater makes much more sense as part of a couple of days around Keswick than as a frantic in-and-out day trip. Staying nearby gives you easy access to the lake, Catbells, Borrowdale and plenty of lower alternatives if the tops disappear into cloud.
Where We’d Base Ourselves
- Keswick: easiest for pubs, food, buses and walking straight to the lake.
- Portinscale: quieter, close to the western shore and still walkable into Keswick.
- Borrowdale: better if you want to wake up deeper in the valley and build the weekend around walking.
For another day, try our Catbells walk guide, browse the best walks in the Lake District, or pick something gentler from our beginner Lake District walks.
FAQs
Is the Derwentwater circular walk suitable for beginners?
The terrain is generally straightforward, but the full circuit is still a substantial outing. Beginners who are comfortable walking for several hours should find it approachable in good conditions.
Where should I start the Derwentwater walk?
Keswick is the simplest starting point because it gives you easy access to the lakeshore around Friars Crag and plenty of transport, food and facilities before and after the walk.
Can you walk all the way around Derwentwater?
Yes. Paths and rights of way connect a full circuit around the lake, although conditions, flooding and local path changes should always be checked before setting off.
Where is best to stay for walking around Derwentwater?
Keswick is the easiest all-round base. Portinscale is quieter but still close to town, while Borrowdale is a good choice if walking is the main reason for the trip.
Rambl Weekend Planner
Planning more than one walk?
The Lake District Walking Weekend Planner brings together seven walk ideas, simple two-day combinations and lower-level alternatives, so you can spend less time juggling tabs and more time actually walking.
Final Thoughts
Derwentwater is one of the best choices in the Lake District when you want the scenery without immediately committing yourself to an exposed ridge.
The attraction is the variety: Keswick, woodland, open shoreline, mountain views and quiet sections of lake all in one day. Give it enough time rather than treating it as a box to tick and it is a far better walk for it.
Fancy Another Good Walk?
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